Steelers Free Agency: Elvis Dumervil drawing interest from Steelers
By Matt Shetler
Those waiting for the Pittsburgh Steelers to be linked to big names this free agency period don’t have to wait any longer.
As I wrote yesterday, the Steelers are among the teams that are pursuing New York Giants’ running back Ahmad Bradshaw, now Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert is searching for an impact player on the defensive side of the ball.
Jan 12 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) reacts on the sidelines after giving up a touchdown pass to the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter of the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reported earlier that the Ravens interest in adding Elvis Dumervil to their lineup and now adds that a league source has told him that the Steelers are also interested in signing the Louisville product.
Dumervil became a free agent Friday after the fax incident with the Denver Broncos and the NFL, after he agreed to take a pay cut to remain in Denver.
It’s nice to see the Steelers show some interest in Dumervil as they need some pass rushing help after releasing James Harrison, but some of this doesn’t make sense.
First of all Dumervil is most productive as a 4-3 defensive end and the Steelers would likely have to move him to outside linebacker being that they play a 3-4. He could play with his hand down in pass rushing situations, but I don’t see him becoming a full time linebacker.
Then there is the most obvious situation of the Steelers aren’t going to meet Dumervil’s asking price.
He was set to make $12 million this season before agreeing to play for $8 million before the fax incident that made him a free agent. His asking price isn’t going to come down to what the Steelers can afford to pay.
Dumervil has 63.5 sacks in his six years in Denver, including 11 last year. While it would be nice to add that to the Steelers defense, it is almost unthinkable.
So while it is nice to see the Steelers linked to some big time players, don’t expect them to sign any.
Keep checking back to City of Champions Sports for continual updates of all of the wheelings and dealings of Steelers free agency.